Doha:Nine participating teams have arrived in Doha ahead of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026, scheduled to commence in less than ten days, as announced by the Local Organizing Committee.

According to Qatar News Agency, the tournament will feature a total of 48 teams competing in 104 matches from November 19 to December 13. Teams already in attendance include Saudi Arabia, Cameroon, China, New Caledonia, Honduras, New Zealand, Vietnam, Republic of Korea, and Costa Rica, with additional teams expected to arrive shortly.

In preparation for the event, the Local Organizing Committee has scheduled a trophy tour at Wadi Msheireb Square in the Msheireb district on Thursday. The tour, running from 600 PM to 1000 PM, is part of the promotional activities and will enable media outlets to interview a spokesperson from the committee and several junior players. Serbian coach Bora Milutinovic, known for managing five different national teams in past FIFA World Cup finals, will also be present.

The tournament will be held at the Competition Complex in Aspire Zone, featuring up to eight matches a day during the group stage and Round of 32. This centralized format, previously successful in 2025, is advantageous for international scouts to observe emerging talents in one location.

Qatar, the host nation, is set to play its opening match against Panama on November 19 in Aspire Zone, with the tournament’s final scheduled at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium on December 13.